ASU SOFTBALL: Warriors outbattle 'Belles on late error

HP tops ASU in 10th inning

Cynthia Esparza/Standard-Times San Angelo Colts' Butch Ballez gets out Amarillo's Cory Wine at second base and was able to get it to first to help with that out and end the inning at Foster Field during the second game of the season. shot/archived 5.28.10

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Angelo State University softball team produced a nine-inning, defensive masterpiece Friday at the Division II World Series.

It still wasn't enough.

No. 3-ranked Hawaii Pacific matched ASU inning for inning, and the Sea Warriors capitalized on the Rambelles' only error of the night in the 10th inning to pull off a 1-0 victory.

Hawaii Pacific advanced to Sunday's national semifinals, while ASU must now battle through the loser's bracket, beginning at 5 p.m. today against the winner of Bloomsburg and Molloy.

Friday's pivotal moment came with two outs and runners on the corners in the top of the 10th inning. The Sea Warriors' runner on first took off for second base, and ASU freshman catcher Kacie Easley attempted a quick throw to pitcher Chelsea Nelson in case the runner from third tried to go home.

It was a safe, simple play, but the ball sailed just enough to get past Nelson's glove, and Kozy Toriano ran home for the game's only run.

The ‘Belles then went down in order in the bottom of the 10th to seal the loss.

"It's a sickening loss," ASU head coach Travis Scott said. "I'm just sick to my stomach right now. We played so wonderful, played great defense just like we've done all year and had every opportunity to score. ...

"We do everything perfect, then make one mistake trying to throw the ball back to the pitcher. And it costs us the game."

Nelson and Hawaii Pacific pitcher Sherise Musquiz both pitched brilliantly, each allowing just five singles and a double.

They were also both backed by rock-solid defenses that made a number of great plays.

Despite some scattered chances, neither team advanced a runner to third base until ASU loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh for its best hitter, Kaycee Taylor, who grounded out.

Hawaii Pacific put together its best offensive push in the final inning.

The Sea Warriors actually had runners on second and third with one out, but the ‘Belles caught them trying to squeeze home a run, and picked off a runner between third and home for the second out.

That appeared to be the breathing room ASU needed to get out of the jam. Moments later, however, the Sea Warriors were gift-wrapped the winning run.

The game was reminiscent of last year's game at nationals in the same round between ASU and North Georgia. After 10 scoreless innings, North Georgia won 3-2 in the 11th.

Nelson, who also pitched that game, said the experience of last year helped soften the blow of Friday's tough loss.

"Last year, I think honestly as my first time here, I took it a little too hard," Nelson said. "I was kind of like, ‘Well, we gave it our all and still lost.' This year, that's not my mentality or the team's mentality.

"We've proved so many people and teams wrong about us. ... And I think we'll just keep proving it. We just need to keep playing the way we've been playing, because we played really well. Luck just went their way."

ASU will have to win three straight games to reach Monday's national final. If the ‘Belles can get past the Bloomsburg-Molloy winner today, they'll have to beat No. 2 Valdosta State twice on Sunday.

"We have all the chance in the world," said ASU junior Brittany Astle, who went 2-for-4 on Friday. "We're not giving up. That's one loss. We're going to come back and play all the way until Monday."

Scott said he's not sure yet if he'll stick with Nelson, who has pitched both of the team's games at nationals, or if he'll go to his other pitcher, April Haywood.

"We've got two good, solid senior pitchers," Scott said. "Chelsea will be ready to go tomorrow if we choose to go that route. And if we choose April, she's been fantastic for us. If it wasn't for April, we wouldn't be here. She got us through the Emporia regional, and she can carry us again tomorrow if need be."